The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela denounced today before the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), the violation of the Organization’s Charter by the Secretary General, Luis Almagro, who organized a propaganda event with undisclosed funding in order to attack a Member State.

Venezuela pointed out that “Mr. Luis Almagro, with his selective, biased and politicized actions, exceeding his limits, once again, as Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), convened some so-called “public hearings” at the organization’s headquarters during the days of September 14 and 15, as part of a strategy with the intention of presenting Venezuela as nation that violates human rights. For this purpose, he has used a figure that does not legally exist: Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the OAS on Crimes Against Humanity.

The delegation demanded that the origin of the funding supporting Mr. Almagro’s personal initiative, be informed, given that it does not represent the will of the Member States, yet uses the name of the OAS to attack Venezuela. This illegal activity lacks a mandate because acting as an international tribunal is not one of the Organization’s attribution and violates its Charter, its general standards and its legal framework.

Venezuela demanded that the name of the OAS was withdrawn from the activity and that its spaces and personnel are not used to attack a Member State using hidden and external funds.

Finally, Venezuela denounced the Secretary General and whoever collaborate in this act of aggression because it constitutes a serious precedent that harms the Organization by creating an illegal practice that would be applicable to all Member States. Therefore, once again, there is evidence that the Secretary General has disqualified himself from fulfilling the obligations inherent to his position.

Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Organization of American States – Press Office / September 12, 2017